When considering sentence, the judge has first to consider the extent of the victims injuries, and the way that they were caused. (e.g. Was a weapon used? Was the assault pre-meditated).. Those considerations will direct him to a 'starting point' for sentencing, and will also define the range of sentencing which (unless there are very exceptional circumstances) he must remain within.
The judge will refer to this document:
http://www.sentencing-guidelines.gov.uk/docs/a ssault-against-the%20person.pdf
It's the table on
page 17 that's relevant. However, those guideline sentences apply to a first-time offender convicted
after a trial. An early guilty plea would result in a reduction of those sentences.
The majority of ABH cases, involving first-time offenders, don't result in a custodial sentence. However, the defendant needs to be aware that the usual reason that magistrates send cases to the Crown court is because they believe that their sentencing powers (of up to 6 months imprisonment) might be insufficient. This does not automatically mean that the offender will be sent to prison for more than 6 months. (Judges frequently disregard the views of magistrates, and they always try to avoid imposing custodial sentences where possible). However, as the table on P17 shows, custody certainly remains a possibility.
Chris